Chelmsford extinguished any lingering title hopes that Stafford Rangers might have had by claiming an impressive point at Marston Road on Saturday.

Rangers trailed league leaders Tamworth by some fourteen points at the start of play, and they looked good value to reduce that gap in a first half of chances for the hosts.

Robert Heath diverted a header towards goal that Paul Nicholls did well to keep out. Shortly afterwards Craig Lovett and Heath again went close but failed to keep their shots down.

At the other end, Dale Watkins was leading the line well but service was scant.

Stafford edged in front on the half-hour mark as Brian Statham was found wanting by the pace of Davidson, who shook off the former Tottenham man before sliding the ball past Nicholls.

That was no more than the hosts had deserved, but they failed to build on that advantage, allowing Paul Parker's men back into the contest with a hotly disputed second-half penalty.

Tony Samuels' momentum looked to be the only thing that caused him to trip over goalkeeper Price, but a penalty was awarded and Watkins needed no second invitation from 12 yards.

Obviously riled, Stafford went close to sniffing out a winner when dangerman Davidson flung himself into a header straight at Nicholls, but the opportunity was gone.

Stafford's title assualt has disintegrated off the back of six points from their last six matches, while Chelmsford's ability to pick up odd points like this one sees them continue to climb away from the relegation places.